Brand Names: Oforta

Generic Name: fludarabine (oral) (Pronunciation: floo DAR a been)

• What is fludarabine (Oforta)?
• What are the possible side effects of fludarabine (Oforta)?
• What is the most important information I should know about fludarabine (Oforta)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I take fludarabine (Oforta)?
• How should I take fludarabine (Oforta)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Oforta)?
• What happens if I overdose (Oforta)?
• What should I avoid while taking fludarabine (Oforta)?
• What other drugs will affect fludarabine (Oforta)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is fludarabine (Oforta)?

Fludarabine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Fludarabine is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Fludarabine is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful response to treatment.

Fludarabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of fludarabine (Oforta)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
• fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, trouble concentrating, feeling tired or short of breath;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• vision problems, confusion, agitation, changes in behavior, or feeling like you might pass out;
• cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain, trouble breathing;
• black or bloody stools, coughing up blood;
• lower back pain, blood in your urine, pain or burning when you urinate;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth; or
• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes.

Less serious side effects may include:

• muscle pain;
• swelling in your legs;
• mild nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing;
• sweating; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Oforta (fludarabine phosphate tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about fludarabine (Oforta)?

Before you take fludarabine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, bone marrow problems, or a weak immune system.

If you need to have a blood transfusion, tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are being treated with fludarabine.

Fludarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.